Crossdressing in public

[DrFishnets]

How did you start crossdressing in public?

So far I only crossdress in the privacy of my home on my own and as entertainment for my partner who enjoys seeing me dressed up. However, I’ve started taking small steps to dress when out in public. So far I’ve been wearing a short black pleated skirt and very thick opaque black tights hidden under a long coat and Dr Marten style boots so it doesn’t look obvious that I’m crossdressing but I get the feeling of it.

[Michelle 51]

O my....Tis a slippery slope dear.The little things will lead to bigger but it's a road we all travel dear.I dress in a skirt,pantyhose and top with a coat and femme scarf every morning and go to a drive-through for coffee.It's dark and my neighbors can't see my getting in my truck.Its only a small thing but sets my mood for the day.

[DrFishnets]

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah, I must admit I get a buzz out if wearing skirt and tights hidden under long coat as it’s only me who knows that I am wearing it and it’s such a sexy feeling. I don’t know yet if I’d end going out in with sheer pantyhose, heels and skirt and full make up. I am a rather large and tall guy and I fear I’d look ridiculous but I suffer from an anxiety disorder.

[Brianne_bc]

I underdress every day in public. Bra panties stocking and suspenderbelt. Its great.

[Natalie5004]

I started by stepping out into my back yard. Then my private front yard. Then getting better at makeup and presentation.

After that I start to go for drives. Then stopping for take out coffee. Then Ice Cream take out. Then forget it once I realized nobody cares what you are wearing.

Now I grocery shopping, buy gas, clothes shopping including women's dressing rooms trying on clothes.

But once you start, you will not be able to reel it back in. You better know what you want to be / do before that first big step.

I love it and I do not care who sees me now.

[Sandi Beech]

I had gone out a few times mostly at night a long time ago doing the typical stuff like pumping gas and having my hands shaking while doing it. But then in 2017, I jumped into the deep end of the pool head first without looking to see if any water was in it - figuratively that is.

This was what I wore into a bar the second night I went out. I wore a similar outfit the first night, but I do not have a picture.

https://www.crossdressers.com/forums...6&d=1578507449

Don?t ask me what made the switch flip, but like others said, no turning back.

Sandi

[Sometimes Steffi]

I guess that I'm in the "Go big or go home" category.

The first time that I went out fully recognizable as female, I went to the Maryland Renaissance Festival.

I rented a wench costume described as

"A linen skirt which comes in various colors and ties with a drawstring around the waist, a white chemise, and a tapestry waist cincher. Think ?Saint Pauly Girl?."

I spent a week or two shopping for accessories for the outfit, like a canvas bag that I thought would adequately represent a Middle Ages carry bag. I tried to find a decent wig locally, but failed. I ended up using a scarf to cover my head. I went to Ulta and had a sales associate help me put together a makeup kit, honestly telling her that I was going to the Renn Fest as a wench.

While I had a few sketchy experiences, including one with a drunk who recognized a boy dressed as a girl, even through beer goggles. His friends saved me and possibly him by yanking him away. Most people didn't look twice at me, or at least pretended not to. But a number of groups of GGs saw right through my disguise, but passed me by with huge smiles instead of pitchforks.

One of the food vendors gave me something even better than a "ma'am". He addressed me as "m'lady".

Since that first time, I've made several return visits, all with CD friends.

The second time out, I met a girl from this forum for lunch at a local restaurant as two girl friends.

[Kris Burton]

I've just begun to step out publicly. My build up was much like Natalie's - first in my back yard, then the front, improving my overall presentation as I went along. I've been to a Starbucks, our local garden nursery, a local park and to a local mall. Unlike most, and as many advised, all of these areas were in my town where I could have run into anyone I know. I also have taken walks in my neighborhood in the early morning hours. I'm certain my neighbors have seen Kris - but did not realize they were seeing me.

My attire for all of these was to blend in with style. Ive worn nice, feminine things - skinny jeans, pink sweater, block heel booties, hip and breast forms,wig and makeup - but nothing that would attract undue attention to myself. I have not had any problems. I have yet to venture out in a dress or skirt, but as soon as that opportunity avails itself, I will be ready. I also echo many others - I love it and no turning back!

[alwayshave]

I went to a local trans group meeting. That easy.

[RoxieChristine]

I started quickly. I got my start dressing on a business trip. The first week I just dressed in my room and had forms and a wig by the end of the week. Over the weekend I started in with makeup and took my first trip out dressed that week.
Roxie

[Heather76]

I underdress every day. The fist 2 times out in public fully en femme I had no contact with people. The 3rd time out, I went to a mall, had lunch in the food court, talked with a couple SA in stores. The 4th and 5th times out were basically a repeat of the 3rd time. The 6th, and last time out, I met a member of CD.com for lunch ata TGI Friday's. I would like to go out weekly; but, I'm not ready to push that onto my wife who isn't a fan of my CDing.

[docrobbysherry]

I started by attending out of town T girl events. And, 15+years later that's still all I go out for!

It's always fun going out to clubs and bars with the girls!

U can keep you're going out dressed to vanilla venues. If it wasn't so stressed all the time out at those? I'd die of boredom!

[DrFishnets]

Thanks for the fabulous replies.

I forgot to mention that when I was at college there was a guy there who I was friends with who looked like a girl. One time there was a charity fancy dress event and he had the idea that both of us should dress up as prostitutes but I told him I would look ridiculous but he told me I’d look good in garter belt and pantyhose. Anyway I didn’t do it even though secretly I wanted to and since then I always wanted to try it out crossdressing until I met my partner when I actually did it but only in the privacy of my home.

[Andrea Renea]

What Natalie5004 says.

For me I dress and go anywhere I'd go in boy mode.

I dress all the way, foundation garments, female clothing and makeup,
Really don't just underdress.

Dress as other women dress. No drag queen clothes.

How I'm dressed has always has been a non-issue.
I've had good Ole boys hold the door for me and call me ma'am.
Female SAs to chat me up in stores.

Have fun with it,

Andrea

[Jillcder]

My public outings started on business trips at first just dressing in my room then I took my first steps out the door dressed to a mall all I can say is hang on to your panties it is a very slippery slope. The desire/need to go out dressed will continue to grow it makes me sad to think something so exciting is frowned upon by most of society.

[Cheryl T]

I began by changing in my car and driving around to get the thrill.
Of course that soon became old and I would stop in a mall parking lot and walk around. Then I decided I needed to meet others and joined a support group. That was the tipping point as a small group would always go to a local diner after the meeting and my wife and I were invited to join them. Being in a group gave more confidence and soon we were going to the movies, out to dinner, shopping at different malls. The rest, as they say, is history.

[Rhonda Jean]

I've been dressing since the '70's as a teenager living with my parents. I didn't wear dresses or skirts then, but I did wear girl's platform heels, slacks, and blouses/shirts. I had long hair that roller set on huge rollers. I wore concealer for pimples, but didn't wear full makeup around the house. I'd do my makeup in the car and polish my (long) nails and drive around to various convenience stores or other places where I could have brief impersonal encounters. I was married at 20, moved to a new town, and dressed frequently and openly except for work. I was never one to dress to stay in. Not that I haven't had long "trying on" sessions in a hotel room, but I always went out afterward.

I guess the first real fully fem outing of significance was 3 months after I was married, still 20 years old, I had to go out of town for work for a week. My wife helped me pack a selection of mostly her clothes. Dresses, skirts, heels, hose, bras, makeup, curlers, nail polish... everything imaginable for me to wear out after work, dinner, etc. I'd come in from work, dress, and walk to one of the many nearby restaurants. That was very heady stuff for a 20 year old in a big city 500 miles from home!! I didn't do anything except eat at the restaurants and window shop and otherwise walk around trying to look like I actually had a purpose. I remember the first night there was a Sunday before my actual assignment started on Monday and I wore a very conservative dress that hit me just below the knee. My thought being it would look like I was coming or going to church. None of what I brought was really sexy or something to be worn to a club. Above then knee, but not provocative. It was very thrilling to come down the elevator and walk through the lobby. I had not one single reaction that wasn't exactly like I would have expected to be treated if I was female. Not saying that I passed completely. Back then people were probably so surprised to see a young guy dressed as a young girl that they didn't know how else to treat me.

Whew! That was a LONG time ago! Like many of us, I could write a pretty compelling book.

[kimdl93]

Yep, I quickly followed path (out of the closet, out of the house and beyond the yard) as Natalie5004 described her own. It did not take long. I had wanted to present as a woman in the real world for a long, long time, but had to overcome a lot of self doubt before I dared take that first step. Once taken, the world kept spinning and felt suddenly open and welcoming. Within days of the first steps I was making routine trips to the grocery, bank and dry cleaners in girl mode. Within a few months I was living much of my everyday life in girl mode.

Going out in public did not suddenly change who I was. It simply allowed me to overcome the fears that had kept me in hiding for most of my life.

[Patience]

My first outing was during a Pride weekend. I planned it months in advance.

I left home in drab early in the morning and went to a local college and changed into a fem top with a hard bikini top underneath, plus a long skirt in the restroom of the arts department. Then, I went to the local gayborhood and hung out in the park for a few hours. Then, I went to a record store I've frequented for years. Even though I did not have a wig (I wore a baseball cap) and just wore regular tennis shoes, it was a blast. The only inconveniences were a sunburn and a drunken kid telling me to show my quote "fat tits" a couple times. Also, I had some folks take pictures of me and later I learned they were uploaded automatically to a Google+ account. Fortunately, they were never published, but since then I have invested in a plain point and shoot camera.

I also went on a little outing the following day and it was fun, too, but the first time out was definitely special.

[Stephanie47]

I understand the concealing of women's attire under male attire, whether a skirt under a long coat or panty/bra/hosiery. It may give a person a thrill, but unless you're hit by a car nobody is going to know. In the beginning there was several times I wore a panty to work, but it came to be a pain when using the urinal in the bathroom.

It wasn't until I decided to go for a drive in the evening totally en femme; heels and hosiery, dress and undergarments and at least a blond wig. Not a bit of male clothing. With hindsight, there could have been some "What ifs." Then I progressed to getting out of the car and strolling in a safe neighborhood, especially in the 1970's and early 1980's. I found reasons to vacate the car: mail a letter, return a library book, retrieve one of those free newspapers.

Then came interaction with fellow humans which was basically on the cross dressing day of the year: Halloween. I went into grocery stores and a doughnut shop. Ultimately, I found myself thinking, "I did it!" Talking an evening stroll basically became boring. It was lonely. I envy those who have an accepting and fully engaged wife. Even that would be a tough sell for a guy six foot one, 195 pounds (lost five) next to a five foot two woman.

Good luck and enjoy.

[DrFishnets]

A lot of interesting replies.

If I was a bit shorter than 6ft 1 and slimmer I’d probably give it a go and dress in public. I don’t know if I’d feel more comfortable if there were dedicated bars or clubs where crossdressers can dress up and socialise and dance with other like minded crossdressers but it would mean having to wear a long coat when travelling to there and then putting makeup, high heels and wig on when arrived.

[GracieRose]

I had a similar progression to Natalie. Now I go out to do my shopping as Gracie whenever I get a chance. I also like to take long walks in the park where, like shopping, I pass many others and it is a non-issue.
I gained most of my confidence from reading reports from others on this site who never experienced my worst fears. When I finally went out, I never encountered any of the things that I was afraid of.
Go at your own pace. You'll know when it is right for you.

[Debbie Denier]

I started at a TV/CD support group back in the early 80s.You could turn up in drab then get changed to fem.I progressed to a quiet footpath over a canal bridge with a long coat and heels . Sound insane these days. I got married regressed and have rarely dressed outside my home since.However maybe one day would like to do it again.

[Sometimes Steffi]

I went to a local trans group meeting. That easy.

Jamie and I are members of the same CD/TG/TS group and have been out together numerous times. I've been in this group or its predecessors for over 15 years now and I've been out in public many times. We've have had as many as 100 girls together at once at a meetup. We've had local DC, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) Girls often joined by girls from NC, WV, Eastern Shore, MD, Annapolis, MD, Richmond, VA, Newport News, VA area, Shenandoah, Philadelphia, and maybe even New Jersey. So, if any of those places sound familiar to you, come join us. There are a couple coming up around Valentine's Day. Spouses are encouraged to attend.

[TheHiddenMe]

I did the sneak around at night thing and a couple of Halloweens, but in 2015 I went out in San Francisco (makeover at Sephora) and then in October 2016 I ripped the bandaid off. Got my nails done one day, a Sephora makeover and organized shopping at Nordstrom, and I never looked back. The description of my October 2016 outing is in the Pictures folder.

I went out and surprisingly the world didn't end. There were no torches and pitchforks, but rather acceptance and compliments and friends I've made as a girl. I've never had a negative experience. In fact, I went out yesterday amongst thousands of people in downtown Melbourne, Australia, and earlier this week walked the beach in a one piece bathing suit (and my biggest worry was trying to avoid sunburn on parts of me that don't usually get exposed).

But until you go out, you will never know. It's easier than people think.